Experts know that people with asthma often have GERD. In fact, at least 70% of people who have asthma also suffer from GERD. But the exact reason for this is not yet entirely clear. Does asthma cause GERD? Or, does GERD lead to asthma? Or, is there some common, but unknown, factor that causes both conditions through similar pathophysiology?
Plus, we know that GERD can lead to a worsening of asthma symptoms. But, at the same time, certain changes in the airways can also bring on GERD symptoms. In other words, when airways narrow because of asthma inflammation, negative pressure is created in the chest that can lead to reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Research suggests that inhaling tiny amounts of refluxed stomach contents may lead to changes in the immune system that set a person up for developing asthma. So, it could be that GERD increases the risk for asthma. But further research will be needed to prove that definitively.
The good news is that all of the symptoms of both asthma and GERD are completely preventable with lifestyle changes and medication, so neither one needs to interfere with day-to-day life.
Sources:
Sheerin, Kathleen A. "GERD and Asthma." June 2007. AAAAI. 29 Aug 2008.
"Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." May 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 29 Aug 2008.
"Scientists identify how gastric reflux may trigger asthma." 21 Jul 2008. EurekAlert. 29 Aug 2008.
